Convicted: Former state Auditor Troy Kelley (D-Tacoma) was found guilty yesterday of tax fraud, as well as a number of other charges. Kelley was charged in 2015 with possessing stolen funds, laundering money, lying under oath and filing false income-tax returns. He refused to resign but decided against running for re-election in 2016. (The News Tribune)

Investigators continue to probe all the factors leading to Monday’s Amtrak derailment. Some are pointing to issues occurring months before the track’s inaugural run, as transportation officials sped through the process while foregoing critical safety features. (The Seattle Times)

Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing Value Village, claiming the company used deceptive marketing practices. Last week the company pre-emptively filed its own suit against Ferguson, saying his office violated the company’s rights. (My Northwest) 

The U.S. Dept. of Interior announced it will stop work on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Many celebrated Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s decision, including Okanogan County ranchers. They say coyotes, cougars and wolves cause enough problems, and grizzlies would be just another apex predator killing and harassing their cattle. (Capital Press)

Following the passage of the Republican tax reform bill, Boeing announced it will use $300 million in tax savings for job-training, facility upgrades and charitable giving. It joined a number of other companies across the nation who announced investments, from employee bonuses to capital projects. (The Daily Herald)

A controversial construction project in Richland hits another speedbump. After the city awarded the contract to a Kennewick company, the losing bidder got a court injunction to stop the project, citing problems with the winning company’s bid. (Tri-City Herald)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.